US Suspends Aid to Thailand in Wake of Military Coup

BBC – The US has suspended $3.5m (£2.1m) in military aid to Thailand and urged the country’s army to restore civilian rule “immediately”.

Washington also urged tourists to cancel trips and halted non-essential visits by US government officials.

The move came as former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra spent her first night in military custody.

She was detained along with dozens of political figures on Friday as the coup leaders tightened their grip on power.

An army spokesman said Ms Yingluck would not be held for more than a week but insisted that her detention was necessary while matters in the country were organised.

Ms Yingluck, who had been PM until being removed by the judiciary this month, was ordered to report to the military along with more than 100 other politicians, including acting PM Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan.